After a race in which there was a significant, permanent wind shift (60°+), the Race Committee “second guesses” their decision to let the race continue. They decided that that fact, along with their inaction to preserve the race by changing a leg, or shortening the course, made the race inherently unfair and abandons the race after the fact.
The RC is perfectly within their authority in doing so. The rule only requires them to consider the consequences… it doesn’t proscribe any specific action that they may or may not take based on that consideration.
That said, the better course of action for the Race Committee may have been to “wait and see.” If the competitors have an issue with the fairness of the race, they are permitted under Rule 62.1 to request redress based on an “improper action or omission” by the race committee. If the competitors don’t request redress, but the PRO still feels strongly about the race turning out to be unfair, he or she is permitted under Rule 60.2 to request redress on behalf of the competitors.
While it may seem like a “cop-out” to say “let the Protest Committee make the decision and take the heat,” it also may be the more prudent choice. RC’s aren’t always perfect, and good RC’s know that and are willing to admit (or at least consider other viewpoints) when they have perhaps made a mistake.